(Psyllium Husk) Isabgol Benefits, Uses & Side Effects

The name Isabgol or Psyllium Husk might sound not so friendly to the ears, but people have been using Isabgol husk for years now. Psyllium Husk is a commonly used ingredient in Indian home remedies to treat, especially constipation or gut-related problems. From ages, they are utilizing Isabgol benefits for a healthy life.

The Isabgol is not just limited to dealing with problems associated with constipation; it has plenty of other health benefits also.

Psyllium is a mostly used dietary fiber that has a lot of benefits.

So let’s try to understand what exactly Isabgol is in the first place before going ahead with the various ways in which Isabgol can be useful to us.

What is Isabgol (Psyllium Husk)?

Isabgol, aka Psyllium Husk, in India, it is called with different names like bhusi in Hindi, Isabgol in Tamil is called as Issapa.

Isabgol is the seed of the plant Plantago Ovata.

Isabgol has incredible health benefits, and this psyllium husk can be incorporated in the daily diet, the dietary fiber present on it makes this husk an excellent beneficial nutrient.

Isabgol plant is 1 to 3 inches tall, does not have a trunk, and it falls into the category of a shrub. The plant seeds are arranged in a similar way to that of wheat, and its leaves look likes aloe vera and is long & narrow.

There is white ash like thing on the seeds which are called seed husk or Psyllium Husk. When this husk is mixed with water, it becomes an odorless and tasteless sticky substance. Isabgol husk is an essential component of Ayurveda.

Psyllium plant requires cold, sunny, and dry weather to grow, and within five to six months, it gets harvest-ready. It is a seasonal Rabi crop.

In India, it is mostly cultivated in the state of Gujarat, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and also in Punjab. Due to top Isabgol benefits and high usage, its seeds and its husk are usually used for medicinal purposes.

It is commonly used as a food ingredient in manufactured breakfast cereals, which contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

Isabgol contains soluble and insoluble fiber, which is very beneficial for health and especially for digestion. Psyllium husk comprises 70% soluble fiber and 30% insoluble fiber.

The soluble fiber in Isabgol works as a laxative and known as the best natural herb to treat constipation. Apart from this, there is a large number of benefits of Isabgol like curing acidity, cleansing the colon, aids in weight loss, control diabetes, cures piles, lowers high blood pressure, and hence its benefits for your health are endless.

In this article, we will try to elaborate on all the health benefits of Isabgol in detail.

Other Names of Isabgol

English Name

Spogel seeds, Psyllium, Isphagul

Hindi Name

Isabgol, Ashwagol, Bhusi

Gujarati Name

Umatho jeeru

Kannada Name

Isapgolu

Tamil Name

Isappa

Telugu Name

Isapgol

Arabic Name

Bajkathuna

Sanskrit Name

Ashwakarna, IshadgolSheetabeeja, Ashwagol

Medicinal Parts of Psyllium Husk Plant

Only a few parts of Isabgol plant have medicinal properties. The parts which are highly used for medicinal purpose is as follows:

Psyllium (Isabgol) Seed

Psyllium Husk or Isabgol Seed Husk

Qualities of Isabgol

Isabgol (Psyllium) Husk is oily and has mild laxative action due to the considerable fiber content in it, controls dysentery and loose-motions, the husk is healthy, and helps in proper bowel movement.

It is sweet in taste, refreshing, and nutritious. Also, it’s sticky, sweet, Increases Vata in the body, and balances Kapha & Pitta.

Isabgol Husk can absorb fourteen times more water than its weight. Psyllium seeds can absorb three times water than its weight.

Also, it is rich in nutrient content. So flour of Isabgol Husk is supplemented in multi-grain flour to boost its nutritious value and also to increase the fiber content of cereal or flours.

Uses of Isabgol husk

According to Ayurveda, mostly it is used for the treatment of Constipation. It is also used to treat Atisara (Diarrhea). Various other ailments can also be treated with the help of this husk.

Medicinal Properties of Isabgol

Isabgol (Psyllium) has the following healing properties:

Gentle LaxativeLaxatives are substances that loosen stools and improve bowel movements. They are used to treat and counter constipation. Isabgol contains fiber in it so it adds bulk and water to stools so that they can pass more easily through the intestines.

Anti-diarrhealAn anti-diarrheal is any medication that provides symptomatic relief for diarrhea. Isabgol has a high affinity for water, so it absorbs the water present in the stools and helps decreases the number of bowel movements by making the stools less watery.

Antacid An antacid is a substance that neutralizes stomach acidity and is used to reduce indigestion, heartburn, or stomach upset. It helps to stop the formation of additional acid within the stomach. Thus it helps to cut back the acidity.

Reduces Bad Cholesterol According to various health experts, the hygroscopic properties of Isabgol help in reducing cholesterol from the blood. It forms a thin layer within the intestines that forestalls the absorption of cholesterol from food and efficiently helps in lowering cholesterol.

Regulated blood glucose Isabgol contains a small amount of Gelatin in it, Gelatin slows the breakdown and absorption of glucose into the body. It thus helps in controlling the quantity of blood glucose within the body. As a result, Isabgol is great for diabetes.

Appetite-Suppressant (Anorectic or Anorexic)An appetite suppressant is a food, supplement, or drug that stops a person from feeling hungry which results in lower food consumption, leading to weight loss. Regular consumption of Sat Isabgol reduces the unnecessary carving for food thus helps to suppress your appetite.

How to take Isabgol? or How to Use Isabgol?

Dosage of Sat Isabgol husk

Psyllium Husk should be taken in proper quantity to ensure full isabgol benefits. The dose of sat isabgol husk varies from person to person depending on the age and severity of their problems. The general dosage of sat isabgol is as follows:

Adults

2-3 tablespoon

Teens (13-18 years)

1-2 tablespoon

Children (8-12 years)

1/2-1 tablespoon

It can be taken twice or thrice a day depending upon austerity of the problem. As a thumb rule, never use more than the recommended dose on the product label.

*Note: The exact dosage may vary depending on age, medical condition, and response to treatment, however. It is highly recommended that you consult with your doctor before starting treatment with isabgol, no matter what you plan on using it for.

To consume Isabgol Husk there is no hard and fast rule. In the market, Isabgol Husk is available in the form of Powder, wafers, flakes or also capsules.Just we have to follow four simple basic steps to take Isabgol Husk

>Step 1

Add one heaped teaspoon (approx 5.6 gms) or according to the prescribed dosage of Psyllium Husk in an empty glass.

>Step 2

Fill the glass with water or any suggested adjuvant (around 240 ml).

>Step 3

Briskly stir the mixture such that all the contents should get mixed with water.